Ryberg bill wants obese to pay more

COLUMBIA --- Obese state workers could see their wallets slim down under a bill that would charge them $25 more in monthly health-care premiums.

Some say the idea would hurt worker morale at a time when agency funding cuts, staff furloughs and mounting demand for public services are already taxing the public work force.

Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health, said there are better ways to control obesity-related health care costs -- offering more healthful choices in employee cafeterias, for one, and giving those who get screened for conditions a cash bonus.